The city is marking the start of a massive $122 million project in the downtown core.
The Cogswell District project will convert 16 acres of concrete into a mixed-use neighborhood, extending the entrance of the downtown northwards and reuniting communities separated by the interchange lands.
“The Cogswell District is the biggest city-building project in the history of Halifax,” explains Jacques Dubé, Chief Administrative Officer. “It will connect the vibrant downtown region to the historic north end and the picturesque waterfront, creating a stronger, more inclusive network of communities.”
The urban street grid will be reinstated and will create development blocks capable of supporting new residential and commercial environments for 2,500 people. High quality dedicated cycling lanes, multi-use trails, new parks and open spaces, a reimagined transit hub, and a significant central urban square will transform this traffic-centric area into a livable pedestrian friendly area for people to live, work, and play.
“This project is designed to reflect the aspirations of our community to be a prosperous, growing city that cares about the environment and the wonderful mix of people who contribute to the life, culture, and personality of place that sets Halifax apart” says Mayor Mike Savage.
According to the municipality, the project has the potential to be primarily self-funded in the long term once construction is over and the redevelopment of the area is completed. The sale of land, utility cost sharing, and the subsequent property taxes will help off-set the front-end investment and generate long-term recurring revenue for the municipality.
The project’s pre-construction phase, which started in mid-September, is expected to last three months. Fully mobilized construction will begin in winter 2022. The construction phase of the project is expected to take up to four years to complete.
Meantime, to help with traffic flow, construction of three by-pass roads is currently targeted for completion in spring 2022. A construction schedule for the by-pass roads will be shared once it has been finalized and residents will be provided advance notice regarding impacts to traffic.
More information on the project can be found on the city website.
